Ultrasonic optical cleaning system

Abstract

An ultrasonic optical cleaning system is provided for cleaning and deterring the buildup of organic and inorganic particulates from the surface of glassware used in water testing instrumentation. The system includes a transducer that is attached to the surface of the glassware. A connector cap carrying a plurality of spring contacts interconnecting the transducer with an ultrasonic transducer control circuit. The control circuit operates continuously to provide an electrical signal to the transducer that vibrates the transducer and the glassware so that the glassware is cleaned of contaminates.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 513,857 filed Oct. 24, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a system that ultrasonically cleans and deters the buildup of particulate matter on glassware of the type used in optical water testing equipment. The apparatus is particularly suited for use in cleaning a tube or cuvette that supports a water sample in a turbidimeter. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Turbidimeters are widely utilized to test public water supplies for the presence of particulate matter suspended in the water. Examples of these instruments include the turbidimeter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,544, as well as the updated version distributed by HF Scientific, Inc. under the brand name MICRO TOL™. These and other varieties of turbidimeters typically employ a glass cuvette or tube that holds the water to be tested. Light is directed through the test sample and turbidity ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically and continuously cleaning and deterring particulate build-up on the glassware that accommodates a test sample in a turbidimeter or other optical water-testing instrument. The apparatus uses an ultrasonic optical cleaning system that significantly reduces the inefficiency, tedium, and service interruptions associated with manual cleaning. The apparatus is not hard-wired to the electronics of the tubidimeter so that the glassware can be conveniently indexed and / or removed for recalibration, as needed. The apparatus effectively and efficiently cleans the glassware used in optical water testing equipment so that improved, accurate water quality measurements are obtained. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer that vibrates when a selected voltage is applied to the transducer and is electrically connected to an ultrasonic control circuit. The ultrasonic control circuit delivers an electrical signal through the connector cap to the transducer so that the transducer vibrates to clean particulate matter from the glassware and prevent the build-up of particulates on the surface of the glassware. The ultrasonic control circuit receives power from the principal operating circuit of the test equipment and delivers a voltage through the connector cap to the transducer. The apparatus reduces maintenance requirements and improves the accuracy of water quality measurements."

Problems solved by technology

Over time, inorganic particulates and organic contaminates such as algae tend to build up on the surface of the glassware holding the test sample.

This can distort the measurements taken by the turbidimeter, which can produce erroneous readings.

This tends to be tedious, time consuming and inefficient.

The user is likely to experience undesirable “down-time” as turbidity readings cannot be taken while the instrument is being serviced.

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